Washington County Public Schools

10435 Downsville Pike Hagerstown, MD 21740

Phone: 3011-766-8780  Fax: 301-766-2930  E-Mail: ellistar@wcps.k12.md.us

Date: January 22, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to recommend Scott Wildesen as an excellent candidate for an assistant principal position in
Washington County Public Schools. I have been working with Scott in Washington County Public Schools
for the five years. My initial interaction was during science professional development sessions. During these five years
years Scott has been an active participant in the science education learning community at the district, state, and
national level and has demonstrated his leadership for science education through a county level team referred to as the
Science Squad.

During professional develop sessions Scott was ready to learn and naturally collaborated with teachers from other schools. He
was very reflective about his instructional practices and focused on how he could provide his student optimal learning
opportunities. When I visited his classroom it was evident that he implemented what he had learned during the professional
development sessions. Scott was invited to join the Science Curriculum Writing Team. He was able to use what he learned about
the Next Generation Science Standards, Maryland STEM Standards of Practice, and Maryland College and Career Readiness
Standards to develop and implement the WCPS Essential Curriculum for elementary science. Scott was always a team player,
respected the ideas of others, and contributed to the work of his grade level team. Scott continued to advocate for science
education at his school by supporting the implementation of the WCPS Essential Curriculum and the vision for science education.
He extended his passion for science education by seeking out and participating in multiple professional learning opportunities. As
a member of the Science Squad he provided suggestions that would improve professional development and stakeholder
involvement. Scott attended the National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference in Washington, D.C. with the
Science Squad. He attended and contributed all of the conference planning meetings and after the conference he collaboratively
developed and lead county level professional development opportunities. He was invited to assist with the development of the
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment. He used what he learned in this specialized training to develop professional
development that he used at his school and during county level professional development with teachers, lead teachers, and
administration. Scott was also a grant recipient of funding provided from the Gettysburg Nature Alliance. Scott has always
professionally represented Washington County Public Schools.

I have no doubt that Scott will be able to apply the same qualities he demonstrated as a leader in science education and
classroom teacher to the responsibilities of the an assistant principal. He has been able to implement a well-rounded curriculum in
his classroom through the lens of science. I am sure he will be successful with advocating for the academic needs of all students
through the roles and responsibilities of an assistant principal. You can reach me at by phone or email if you would like discuss
my recommendation or answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Tara Ellis

Elementary Science Content Specialist

301-766-8780 ellistar@wcps.k12.md.us